NL West

Now Commenting On:

Rienzo appreciative of Peavy's tutelage

Rienzo appreciative of Peavy's tutelage

Email

Print

By Scott Merkin
/
MLB.com |

CLEVELAND -- The trade of Jake Peavy to Boston opened up a spot in the White Sox rotation for Andre Rienzo, at least on a temporary basis. Peavy also contributed to Rienzo's strong Major League debut Tuesday, when he didn't allow an earned run over seven innings and fanned six.

"Man, Jake, what I can say about Jake? Jake is an unbelievable pitcher and an unbelievable person," Rienzo said. "Before the game, he calmed me and said what guys like, what kind of balls and how to pitch them.

"He's an unbelievable guy, and the little time I had with Jake, I learned a lot. He helped me a lot. And in Spring Training, he was the same. He talked to me a lot as a young guy, a rookie guy, and he helped me a lot to do my best. I cannot replace Jake. Jake is not replaceable, but I will try to do my best."

Rienzo pitched in the Arizona Fall League and for Brazil in the World Baseball Classic in preparation for the 2013 season. But that extra work hasn't sapped the intensity of this energetic pitcher.

"You always want to be going at 100 [percent]," Rienzo said. "I need to be at 100 for making the energy come through for the team and to help the team.

"This is awesome. My dream is to be here and hopefully I can answer well for coach Robin [Ventura] giving me the opportunity. I will help the team and try to do my best."

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.